Robert Emmett Dougherty
December 27, 1940 ~ February 22, 2018
Robert Emmett Dougherty, age 77, drained his last putt on February 22, 2018, and is moving on to the 19th hole for a glass of Dewars with St. Peter. Bob was born on December 27, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Helen Bain Dougherty Daniels and Lawrence Dougherty. He was the very proud stepson of WWII veteran Thomas R. Daniels. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sheila Dougherty “Sister Mary Catharine Anne, Medical Missionaries of Mary.” He is survived by his wife, Anne (Boehmer) Dougherty, his four children, Kevin Dougherty (Michelene) Maureen Davidoff (Rick), Chris Dougherty (Bill), Sheila Harmon (Toby), his brother Patrick Dougherty (Marbeth), and his sister Mary Helen Hamilton (Allen). Bob is also survived and his legacy will live on through his 11 grandchildren who he bragged about to anyone would listen: Riley, Sean, Nick, Maddy, Grace, Quentin, Claire, Ava, Max, Sam, and Isabella.
Bob attended St. George High School in Evanston, Illinois, and later attended St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, on a baseball scholarship. Bob married his loving wife Anne 55 years ago. After a brief career in insurance, and after winning the Chicago City Amateur Open in 1961, he followed his love of golf and turned professional, starting as an assistant pro at the French Lick Golf Resort in 1976. He went on to work at Western Hills Country Club, Sandy Creek Golf Club, and Jefferson Elks Country Club, in Indiana. In 1990, he started The Professionals Golf School in Pinehurst N.C. He was thrilled to spend every day on the golf course teaching students of every ability, from beginners to PGA tour pros. Bob was awarded 1999 PGA Teacher of the Year award and 2003 Top Regional Teacher (Golf Digest). Bob was the golf coach for the North Carolina Special Olympics golf team for over 15 years and took the team to the Special Olympics World Games in Durham, NC in 1999. He was a very active and proud participant of the Wounded Warrior Project, he taught many wounded warriors—several who had never golfed before and solicited many donations for their end of week tournament. Bob was an Irishman who had the gift of blarney and always had a story about every famous person he ever met. He remembered every shot on every hole he ever played, he loved IU basketball, a glass of Dewars, and a warm day at Pinehurst #2.
A memorial mass will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Nativity Catholic Church, 7225 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, IN. Online condolences can be shared at Daniel F. O’ Riley Funeral Home, Indianapolis, IN, www.OrileyFuneralHome.com
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Medical Missionaries of Mary, 4425 W 63rd St #100, Chicago, IL 60629, http://mmmworldwide.org/.
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Friends and Family uploaded 15 to the gallery.
ANN,WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OUR LOVE AND HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND FAMIKLY AND REMEMBER THAT WE LOVE YOU AND ARE HERE FOR YOU, AND FAMILY.LOVE, YOUR FRIENDS ANNIE NELSON AND LODIE.
Anne and family
Prayers hugs and warm thoughts to each of you during this saddest of times!! May the joy and peace of our Lord strengthen you now and later on!!!!
Lois
Dear Anne, We are so heartbroken for your and your family. We keep going over the memories we’ve shared with both of you. We will miss the fun days on the golf course with Bob. Your strength throughout this ordeal is remarkable. We are so glad for you that your children are near to support you throughout this ordeal though quite sad that we are so far. We love you and have you in our prayers.
Marilyn and Arte Bohnaker
Anne & Family, I am sadden to hear the passing of Bob. My condolences to you and the family. Bob was my mentor, teacher and friend. He was great at all those things, but he was the best at being a husband, father and grandfather. I’ve always considered you two as family and I would not be who I am without you two. Bob took me under his wing at 7 years old and taught me the gift of golf. He never charged me a penny, but his lessons are priceless. His lessons were more than swinging a club. Bob taught me about honesty, love and giving. These were the attributes he lived by and unknowingly passed on to many that were around him. These are the same values and golf lessons I’m passing on to my two children. Bob will always be in my heart and one day we will both be back on the range hitting balls together, just like old times. It was told to me that grieving and suffering is left to the ones still here on earth, so true. Good bye my friend.
Love,
Eddie Katchur
PGA Golf Professional
The year that Bob made the rounds on Valentine’s day delivering roses to all the single ladies whom he helped (at Anne’s request 🙂 ). He delivered mine in the. Middle of a Foods Lab at WWHS – and I was moved to tears by his thoughtfulness . I could go on. .. like hosting a surprise 50th birthday party /dinner for me. …
When I think of Bob, what immediately comes to mind is his deep compassion for others. He was much loved.
Mimi Lewis Riffle
Thank you for letting us know. We will be remembering the family in our prayers. Much love and gratitude for a great man. Janet and John Frischmon, Boulder City, Nevada
On this day, my friend Eddie Katchur informed me of Bob’s passing. In 1983, I was 12 years old when I first met “29' Bob at the Jeffersonville Elks. I was 2 or so years into learning to play the game of golf. During those next 6 or 7 years Bob was most generous with his time in helping us junior golfers at the club. Regularly, Eddie and I would hang around the golf course and pro shop. And at the end of the day we would wait for Bob to close, in hopes that he would play a few holes, and we could play with him. More often than not, he would make some time for us. In retrospect, I believe he let us invade his “me time”. It might be only 2 or 3 holes, or maybe 9 holes. But whatever the time on the course he gave us, he taught us many “lessons”. Not just pointers in golf, but he also taught us life lessons. The “life lessons” were never a “do this” or “do that” but rather in the example he set, the way he carried himself, how he treated people. He embodied compassion, honesty, and integrity.
Around the same time I was moving on to college, Bob was moving to North Carolina. I lost contact with him. But leading up to each of us going on our separate ways, he would speak to me about college. He knew I had a passion for golf, and wanted to play college golf. He also knew I was a better student than golfer. I had never heard of Franklin College, until Bob told me about it. He told me about the school and the golf program. He didn’t try and convince me to go to Franklin, he just know it was the right fit. And it was. I regret having lost contact and missing the opportunity to say, “Thank you Bob for everything. And oh by the way, I finally no longer swing my putter like a fireman with an ax!” Good bye my friend.
I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. May you take comfort in knowing that there are many who share your sorrow and keep you all in their prayers. (From St. Edward’s School)
Mary Kay Severa Merkle
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He will be missed ,. St. Edwards classmates.
Our eight grade picture.
Ann, so very sorry for your loss. May God hold You and your family in His loving arms. ߙϢݤ️Gail Spooner
Some photos of Bob through the years. From little boy to proud grandpa there was always a smile on his face.
I had the privilege of treating Bob and his family in my dental practice for many years. Just recently I received a congratulatory note from Bob and Anne on my retirement which I will always cherish. I recall many great times at Western Hills Country Club when Bob was pro there. Bob was a great teacher of golf.. He always showed great patience,,especially when he worked with me. I am sorry he missed the Indiana vs. Purdue game with Brad and Kevin. God bless Anne,Kevin,Maureen, Chris ,Sheila and all the family- we will miss him. Gene Hedrick
Ann we are so sorry for your loss.
Dear Anne and Family,
We were so saddened to learn of your loss of precious Bob, a loss to all of us. He was such a special friend to Don, and the memories of their good times and talks will always remain with us. Bob’s smile radiated when he stepped into any room with his indelible aura.
Please know you are surrounded with friendship and love…. his 'gifts' have been passed on….
With our love, Don and Lisa Akers
p.s. Your rooster gifts still holds its dear niche in our home!!!
We miss you Bob
Ann,
With heavy heart I send my condolences. I loved sitting and talking to you both about your longleaf pines and my baseball team. He truly understood the work it took to manage a team and get the best out of your players. I will miss his contagious smile and great stories.
David Halley
True North Forest Management Services
was lit in memory of Robert Emmett Dougherty
Bob has caused many people we know remember, and continuing talking about, every bit of golf they have played. He was so respectful of people and a successful teacher of golf. Our Special Olympics practices, sometimes between the raindrops, were great times. We would always look for Bob’s pork pie hat while driving past Hyland Hills-easy to spot. Thanks to Bob for creating joyous times for us! He is missed.
It is with deep sorrow that I found out about the passing of Bob from my dear friend Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time. The obit was beautiful and a wonderful tribute to Bob. I remember him from many years ago at your wedding, and through the years with updates from Mary. She always spoke of him with love and kindness, especially during these past years of illness. May God watch over all of you and keep you in his care. With love and hugs, Judy.